A6/9 Open Tuning: Cloudy, Melodic, and Ethereal

As described, the A6/9 Open tuning creates an "Open Cloudy Sound, used for more melodic and ethereal effects and chords." This tuning's inherent character lends itself beautifully to ambient soundscapes, jazz-infused harmonies, and lush, expansive voicings that resonate with a unique depth and shimmer.

Technical Analysis & Open Chords

The open strings are tuned to E2, A2, C#4, F#4, B3, and C#5 (from low E to high e). When played open, these notes primarily form an A6/9 chord:

• A (Root - 5th string)
• C# (Major 3rd - 4th string)
• E (Perfect 5th - 6th string, also present implicitly)
• F# (Major 6th - 3rd string)
• B (Major 9th - 2nd string)
• C# (Octave of the Major 3rd - 1st string)

The lowest E (6th string) acts as a strong pedal tone, providing a robust low end to the A6/9 harmony, or allowing for a foundational E note if you choose to emphasize it. This particular voicing is rich with extensions (6th and 9th), which is where its "cloudy" and "ethereal" qualities derive from. Without any fretting, you're immediately presented with a complex, beautiful chord.

Chordal Opportunities

Given the open A6/9 structure, this tuning makes it incredibly easy to access a variety of related chords with minimal effort:

• A Major and related chords: Simply muting certain strings or adding a single finger can yield A major, A major 7 (by fretting the 3rd string), or various A suspended chords.
• Movable Shapes: The open A6/9 shape can be barred and moved up and down the neck to create other 6/9 chords (e.g., bar all strings at the 2nd fret for B6/9, 3rd fret for C6/9).
• Unique Voicings: The open intervals between strings (e.g., A-C#-F#-B on strings 5-2) lend themselves to interesting arpeggios and melodic phrases that would be difficult to play in standard tuning. Explore fingerings that emphasize the 6th and 9th intervals for that signature sound.
• Drone Possibilities: The low E and A strings provide excellent drone possibilities, allowing you to play melodies or chords over a sustained root or fifth.

How to Tune

To achieve this unique A6/9 Open tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning, follow these specific string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone. Change D to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone. Change G to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 3 semitones. Change e to C#5.

Important Note on String Gauges: Please be aware that tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (or 'frets') can significantly alter string tension and may require a different gauge string for optimal playability and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. For this tuning, the maximum change is 3 semitones down, which is generally considered safe for standard string gauges, but always exercise caution and tune slowly.

The 6th string (low E) is tuned to E2.

The 5th string (A) is tuned to A2.

The 4th string (D) is tuned to C#4.

The 3rd string (G) is tuned to F#4.

The 2nd string (B) is tuned to B3.

The 1st string (high e) is tuned to C#5.